Tennis player Coco Gauff will lead Team USA as the female flag bearer at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She joins the male flag bearer and three-time Olympian LeBron James, as the walk along the Seine River.
“I didn’t want to cry in front of my teammates when Chris told me. I was holding it in,” Gauff said. “But when I called my mom, I started crying because I think it’s even more special that so many incredible people … think that I’m worthy of this. And it means a lot, truly.”
After receiving the recognition, Gauff shared the news on social media thanking her fellow teammates for voting for her.
By being chosen, the Grand Slam-winner and first-time Olympian will become the youngest and the first tennis player to be a flag bearer.
What Is The Significance Of Carrying The Flag?
Becoming a representative for the country’s age-old tradition is an extreme honor for athletes. The flag bearers lead the U.S. delegation, which encompasses nearly 600 American athletes, in the Parade of Nations. Gauff and James will serve as representatives for their team and their country, presenting the world with a taste of American culture and history.
“The flagbearer for a national delegation is, in some ways, akin to team captain, but it is also much more than that,” according to a post on the Olympics website. “By carrying their national flag during the Parade of Nations, the flagbearer becomes an enduring symbol of their national values and indeed of Olympic ideals, not to mention an inspiration for future generations.”
Who Chooses The Flag Bearer?
Athletes participating has the ability to vote for one of their fellow athletes to assume the role. Each person attending the ceremony gets to choose who they think should represent the country at the Olympics. There is no prerequisite or requirements for the representative.
“I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with [LeBron James] as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is — at a moment where we can bring athletes and fans together from around the world,” Gauff said.
How Many Flag Bearers Represent The Country?
For the Opening Ceremony, there are two flag bearers that represent the country. Having two representatives is a new development. Before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, only one athlete was chosen to represent the country during the Opening Ceremony. Now, the rule is to have one female and one male athlete to lead the delegation.